(Mankato, MN) – The historic cold descending upon the state has prompted multi-day closures for schools and colleges around the state.

Virtually every school in southern Minnesota has closed as the dangerously cold temperatures set in, including college campuses.  Minnesota State University, Mankato announced last night that classes were canceled and offices would be closed both today and tomorrow.  The campus closure also means the Minnesota DNR’s Veteran’s Career Expo scheduled for Wednesday has also been canceled.  Mankato Area Public Schools also announced yesterday afternoon that they would close both days.

The worst of the bitter cold is expected to hit overnight Wednesday, with air temperatures of -31 degrees and wind chill values dipping down to 57 below zero.

The frigid forecast prompted North Mankato officials to offer shelter to residents in need.  The city sent a press release yesterday stating that the North Mankato Police Annex Community Room on Belgrade would be open 24 hours a day through the end of Thursday’s business day for emergency shelter.

In addition, the Mankato YMCA announced that they’ll close at 8 p.m. Tuesday and shut down entirely on Wednesday, January 30.  The facilities will be reopened on Thursday at 10 a.m.

Temperatures are expected to make a dramatic, temporary shift at the end of the week, however, with a high of 38 degrees anticipated.

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